Background of DeLuca Shows Varying Facets The gangland-type slaying of Arthur DeLuca, which sent police in two cities on an intensive investigation of organized crime, has raised many questions in the minds of his family and friends. The big question is "Why?" Why was this youth, who on the surface, at least, was not much different from hundreds of others, killed in such a brutal and fiendish manner? When the 6-foot, 200-pound Niagara Falls man was found in the trunk of his expensive, sporty automobile—strangled by an electric cord—early Wednesday, acquaintances" were shocked. DeLuca, many thought, wasn't the gangster type. Backing their bewilderment are some facts. Example: DeLuca was a husky, handsome regular football player for Niagara Falls High School. A tackle, he started several 1951 games. In 1952, just before the Cataracts' opening game, DeLuca was declared ineligible because his grades were too low. Later he played the same position for the Niagara Falls semiprofessional football team. Example: DeLuca, an active, enthusiastic member of the Boys Club when the club played a key role in promoting the now-defunct Soap Box Derby here, was a yearly entrant in the race. His homemade vehicles were carefully made an acquaintance remembers. But, there are others things remembered about the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Attilio DeLuca of l8th St. Gang Influence Cited People who worked with him said he held a job for two brief periods as a bricklayer, though he did not lay brick but merely assisted in carrying and counting them, said he lacked perseverance. People with whom he attended high school said he was easily influenced by older youth particularly a set of young toughs known as the Pine Avenue gang. (One member of the so called gang is now in hiding, and police here believe he may become the fourth victim in the current vengeance series). Behind the wheel of the 1957 Cadillac DeLuca drove, despite the fact his only apparent means of support was a weekly unemployment check, DeLuca was a familiar figure hire and in Buffalo. He dressed well. His shoes were buffed to a soft glow. His wavy, black hair was combed neatly into a stylish pompadour. At home, DeLuca lived in a comfortable, well-furnished apartment upstairs at 636 21st St., with his wife Arlene, an expectant mother, and their son, Arthur Jr. If anyone wondered about the money required to wine and dine friends in at least two cities, drive an expensive auto, date a Buffalo woman (police are still questioning her), and live in a stylish apartment, no one said anything. Rumors of being helped financially by his family and in-laws were aired. No one cared whether the rumor was true. It was pointed out the Niagara Falls man, who was acquainted with Buffalo hoodlums Fred and Frank Aquino, was to have opened a coffee shop in a Town of Tonawanda plaza soon. However, a check with the plaza owners revealed that another Niagara Falls man, not identified, had obtained a five-year lease for the shop. Stories Conflict All kinds of stories are making the rounds. One concerns the disappearance of a Niagara Falls woman with whom DeLuca was friendly. The woman's husband and DeLuca are reported to, have fought at the man's home, and within days after DeLuca disappeared the woman is said to have gone to Florida. Many of the stories conflict. For instance, the Aquinos are called friends of DeLuca in 'one version, enemies in another. Whatever the truth concerning the victim, investigations are slowly lighting the shadowy private life of Arthur DeLuca. And those facts may furnish vital clues to his slaying—and the slayers.
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